R.T. Smith is writer-in-residence at Washington and Lee University where he also edits Shenandoah and teaches fiction writing. His recent books include two volumes of stories, The Calaboose Epistles (Iris, 2009) and Uke Rivers Delivers (Louisiana State University Press, 2006). His collections of poetry include Outlaw Style (University of Arkansas Press, 2008) and Messenger (Louisiana State University Press, 2001), both of which received the Library of Virginia Poetry Book Award. His work has appeared in Best American Short Stories 2004, Best American Poetry 2008, Ploughshares, The Atlantic Monthly, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and Lonzie’s Fried Chicken.